It has been 22 years since the entire Bernese Oberland waited for a successor to Bruno Kernen and Michael von Grünigen, the last local athletes to win the World Cup. The wait ended this Friday with the success of Franjo von Allmen, who also chose to offer his first success on the White Circus at home, in Wengen. “It’s totally crazy, I still can’t believe what I’ve just accomplished,” laughs the hero of the day. “Winning here in Wengen for a Swiss skier is the best thing that can happen. »
With his bib 3, the athlete from Boltingen achieved the perfect super-G. “Frankly, I didn’t expect it at all,” continues the young 23-year-old skier. “I really focused on skiing solidly, having fun skiing. » The talented Bernese confirms all the hopes placed in him.
“Franjo is the most Welsch of the German-speaking people”
For his teammates, it is no surprise to find the triple medalist of the Panorama Junior World Championships in 2022. “Franjo is very, very strong. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he has the potential to win every race,” admires boss Marco Odermatt, only 7th, but who recognizes that it feels good to be able to beat successful compatriots. “It’s good not to always be in the light. »
Arnaud Boisset was just as happy to be back in competition as he was about the victory of one of his best friends on the circuit. “It fills me with joy,” says the Martignerain for whom Franjo von Allmen is “the most Welsch of the German-speaking people.” “He is a quiet force who is always in a good mood. » Stefan Rogentin, 3rd in today’s event, shared the opinion of the Valaisan even comparing Franjo to a dog, “because he is always happy”, laughs the Grison.
Stefan Rogentin, three days after a monstrous fall
-The two men did not fail to splash themselves with champagne on the podium. On the stage, it was not a surprise to find Franjo von Allmen, but more so Stefan Rogentin, who showed up in the mixed zone with a face still bruised after his huge fall during the first downhill training session on Tuesday. “I’m happy to have been able to start. I still had a headache this morning, but with the adrenaline, I was able to ski at 100%,” assures the skier from Lenzerheide who is on the third podium of his career, the second in Wengen. “I don’t know why this track suits me. I have always achieved good results, even in the European Cup. I’m happy to have this race on the calendar. »
The Swiss secret? A superb team atmosphere
Stefan Rogentin and Franjo von Allmen perpetuate the domination of Swiss skiing in speed this season. In seven events, Swiss athletes have won 5 for 11 podiums. “There is good competition in our team,” underlines Stefan Rogentin who admits that the Swiss benefit from ideal training conditions. “Since we were little, we have benefited from excellent infrastructure. This allows you to have a lot of quality. » Arnaud Boisset for his part feels “lucky” to be part of this successful team. “We have the best athletes in the world and so everyone can progress. Everyone is pulling on the same rope. » The Valaisan is followed in his reasoning by Marco Odermatt. “If you are fast in training in a team like ours, you know you will be fast in the race too. It’s cool that it’s happening like this. »
All Swiss athletes agree on one element that promotes performance and emulation: the superb group atmosphere. This week again, they all got together on their own initiative to make a supper. On Thursday, they took advantage of the cancellation of the third and final downhill training to go curling. “We all get along very well,” continues Alexis Monney. “Before today’s super-G, Justin (Murisier) put on some music for the team. We have a good time, we laugh and we help each other on the track, whether during reconnaissance or during video analyses. » The recipe for success is simple for the Swiss, skiing is an individual sport played as a team. And on Saturday, for the descent of the Lauberhorn, they will obviously be awaited by a whole population at the top of the table.
Johan Tachet, Wengen
